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A promise honored, says Hu

By Li Xiaokun (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-09-18 07:54

President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing welcome Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee, and his wife to a luncheon at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing Wednesday. Wu Zhiyi

China has kept its word in presenting a special Paralympic Games, President Hu Jintao said while raising a toast to some 30 VIPs from across the world in Beijing yesterday.

"The Chinese people have kept the solemn promise made to the international community. They have welcomed guests from across the world with enthusiasm, and presented a special and high-standard Games," Hu said at the Paralympics closing ceremony luncheon.

China had promised "Two Games, Equal Splendor" while biding for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The dazzling opening ceremony won worldwide praise, and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Philip Craven described the "excellent organization" throughout the 12 days of the Paralympics as "first class".

"These Games have been a great Games. I think everybody realizes that the two Games have been of equal splendor but with distinguishing features," Craven said at a press conference before he attended the luncheon hosted by Hu.

The Chinese people have shared their "success and joy" with people around the world in the process, Hu said.

He congratulated athletes of all the teams for their outstanding performance, and promised that China would use this opportunity to better serve the physically challenged people.

After the Games, China will move ahead on its path of reform, opening up and peaceful development, he said. "(China) will like to work with other countries to build a nice future."

The guests enjoyed their lunch at the same venue, the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, where the Olympics closing ceremony luncheon was held.

Economic deals

Later in the day, Hu met with the king of Jordan, Abdullah II, in the Great Hall of the People. The king, in Beijing to attend the closing ceremony, and Hu officiated the signing of several documents of cooperation in economy, technology, energy and resources.

Premier Wen Jiabao also signed economic and technology cooperation agreements with Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi after a 40-minute meeting.

(China Daily 09/18/2008 page2)